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Statue of Liberty, Liberty Island, New York Harbor

Set sail for Liberty Island to see one of the world’s most famous historic landmarks, the Statue of Liberty National Monument. A gift from the people of France to mark the American Centennial, the statue of Liberty arrived in New York Harbor in June of 1885, and was placed on a pedestal built over Liberty Island’s old Fort Wood.  Finally, on October 28, 1886, the Statue of Liberty was unveiled by President Grover Cleveland.

Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island

Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island

Liberty Island, New York Harbor

Liberty Island, New York Harbor

View of the Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island

View of the Statue of Liberty

See the Statue of Liberty National Monument

See the Statue of Liberty National Monument

Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island
Liberty Island, New York Harbor Liberty Island, New York Harbor
View of the Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island View of the Statue of Liberty
See the Statue of Liberty National Monument See the Statue of Liberty National Monument

Visiting the Statue of Liberty and Liberty Island

A memorable experience for all who get to see the spectacular National Monument, climb aboard a boat and set sail to explore Ellis Island and Liberty Island. There is a rich history to be uncovered on Ellis Island and on Liberty Island you’ll visit the Statue of Liberty, the Fort Wood promenade, the Liberty Island Museum and the Liberty Island Grounds. 

Ellis Island

Situated in Upper New York Bay, Ellis Island has long been considered part of New York. Known for its rich history, the island has been the site of Fort Gibson, a naval magazine and from 1892 until 1924, the nation’s busiest immigrant inspection station where millions of immigrants were processed. It was not until the mid 60s the island officially became a part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument and soon after hosted the Ellis Island Immigration Museum.

Ellis Island Immigration Museum

During your stop on Ellis Island visit the Great Hall. Once lined with immigrants waiting to enter the United States, the hall was renovated during the 1980s and reopened as the Ellis Island Immigration Museum in honor of the Nation’s immigrant heritage. Today, the museum chronicles Ellis Island’s role in immigration history including accounts from the immigrants themselves.  

Liberty Island 

A small, uninhabited island in the New York Harbor, Liberty Island is best known as the location of the Statue of Liberty. While it has been called Liberty Island since the start of the 20th century, its name did not become official until an act of congress officially renamed it in 1956.

Information Center

Start your tour in Liberty Island’s Information Center. Here you can pick up a brochure about the Statue of Liberty and watch the story of the Statue of Liberty unfold before your eyes during a captioned video.

The Monument’s Pedestal

Designed by renowned architect Richard Morris hunt, the Statue of Liberty’s stone pedestal was designed to complement the Statue of Liberty rather than overwhelm her. Constructed and paid for by the United States, the pedestal is around half the height of the entire monument. Visit the Statue of Liberty and delight in the panoramic views of Ellis Island, New York City, New Jersey and the New York Harbor.

Fort Wood Promenade

Once the terreplein, or gun platform of old Fort Wood, today Fort Wood Promenade provides a pleasant walk allowing you to carefully study the construction of the Statue of Liberty.

The Liberty Island Museum

See the difficulties and triumphs America and France overcame to build a symbol of liberty. The Liberty Island Museum chronicles the events leading up to the unveiling of the Statue of Liberty and also covers how the Statue of Liberty’s interpretation has changed since its dedication in 1886 through informational displays, models and scale replicas.

Audio Tour of Liberty Island

Once you’ve visited the monuments pedestal and Liberty Island Museum, take a descriptive audio-guided tour of Liberty Island’s grounds. Lasting between 30 and 45 minutes, the audio-guided tour will provide you with useful information about the Statue of Liberty as you make your way through the island’s beautiful grounds.

Food and Beverages

Concessions that sell healthy snacks and drinks can be found aboard the boat and on Liberty Island should you want to stop for a snack, or a light lunch during your Statue of Liberty Group Tour.

Travel Tips

  •  A visit to Liberty Island usually includes a stop at Ellis Island and the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. Due to storm damage restoration projects, parts of Ellis Island are currently closed.  Groups will be able to see all areas that the National Park Service has reopened.

 

  • The things you will be seeing and doing on Liberty Island are accessible by wheelchair.